A team from Surrey University has developed a new type of light sensor that could allow medical and security imaging to use low-cost cameras.

According to research published in Nature Scientific Reports, researchers have come up with a ‘multi-spectral’ light sensor that can be produced cheaply and detects the full spectrum of light — from ultra-violet to visible and near-infra-red light. The latter can be used to perform non-invasive medical procedures and is commonly used in security camera systems.

Lead researcher Richard Curry, who works at the university’s Advanced Technology Institute, said: “Until now, specialist light sensors have been limited in the kinds of light they can detect, with multiple sensors required to measure different ranges of the light spectrum, thereby significantly increasing the cost.

"The new technology could allow surgeons to ‘see’ inside tissue to find tumours; it could also be used to equip consumer products such as cameras and mobile phones with night-imaging options.”